The Punjab government has extended winter school holidays 2026 until January 19, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced, citing extreme cold weather across the province. The decision applies to all schools and educational institutions in Punjab and aims to safeguard students’ health, particularly young children, during harsh winter conditions.
Schools were originally scheduled to reopen on January 12, but the revised decision came after public consultation through an online poll conducted by the education minister. According to the poll results, nearly 87 percent of participants supported extending the holidays, while only 13 percent favored reopening on January 12, reflecting strong public support for the extension.
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The education minister stated that students’ well-being was prioritized over the academic calendar, adding that severe weather can negatively impact attendance and health. He directed all CEOs across Punjab to strictly implement the decision and ensure that no school reopens before January 19.
School administrations have also been instructed to clearly communicate the updated schedule to parents, students, and teachers. Officials will monitor compliance across districts to ensure uniform implementation of the winter holiday extension.
